(Author's Note: Welcome back, everyone! This episode is written from our leads' points of view — let's gooo! 😊😘😮💨)
Elena's POV
"Ma'am, don't worry, you can just watch. I'll handle the cooking," Mia, the eldest maid and only cook in the house, said with her usual kindness.
I smiled and replied, "Let me help. You're the only one who treats me like your daughter, despite my behavior."
Mia looked at me and sighed. "I know you're doing this on purpose."
"What do you mean?"
"You want your father to never stop hating you. And now you're leaving him — going to another country, to a new school. Do you hate him that much? I know he hasn't always been a good father, but can't you try, just once, to be kind back?"
Her words struck me.
I do hate him.
But Mia... she only ever wants to fix things between us. That woman is too good for this place.
"Elena? Are you even listening?" she asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Mia, would you come with me? Be my personal maid at school?"
"Me?" she asked, calm but clearly surprised.
"Yes, you," I replied. "If you agree, I'll convince Father. Don't worry — he'll accept."
She didn't say anything. I didn't push her. I just stayed beside her and helped with dinner.
I've made up my mind — if I'm leaving, I'm not leaving Mia behind. She's the only person I trust. I'll study hard, become someone great, and Mia… she'll be right there with me.
Later that night…
I returned from that hellish dinner.
I don't want to even remember what happened. I sat calmly on my bed.
And… ugh. Not again. Why am I thinking of him?
That stupid mechanic.
Why won't he leave my head?
He was rude. No one has ever spoken to me like that — not unless they're my family. And when they do, I hate it.
But he… he looked at me like I disappointed him.
That look haunts me.
If I see him again… I swear, I'll—
(yawns) Ugh. I need to sleep. Tomorrow's important. Dad wants me to manage the hotel's welcome party, and if I do it right, he promised I can take Mia with me to school.
This sucks...
Author's POV
Wait—did she just doze off? 😩
That spoiled girl…
But… don't you think she might actually be… nice? 🥹
Let's move on.
Jake's POV
I drove down the busy roads. The sun had begun to set.
(Phone rings)
"Yo buddy!" a familiar voice called from the other end.
"What's good, bro?" I answered.
"Let's meet. I got a new bike!"
Before I could respond, he ended the call. Typical Laz.
I parked in the garage and called out, "Boss, I'm back!"
"He's gone home," the security guard replied.
"Alright, I'm heading out too."
I showered, dressed up, and stepped outside—only to see Laz sitting on a brand-new AOT19 bike worth 50,000 Ðillira coins.
"Yooo!" he called.
I grinned. "Yooo, bud."
"Can you believe I got us a new apartment?" he said, grinning ear to ear.
"A new place? Where'd you get the money?"
"I told you, bro — come join The Reapers. This could be our way out."
"I already told you, Laz. I just want to go back to school."
He scoffed and sped off.
"If I told you there's a new university in Meloparty even dropouts can attend?"
"A school…?" I asked, my curiosity rising.
"Yes! A new uni just opened in northern Meloparty!"
I had heard of that place.
Meloparty — the land of wealth, dreams, and success.
Could this really be my chance?
I looked up at the fading sky and whispered, "Mom… Dad… I never knew you. But if I ever succeed… I hope you'll smile from wherever you are."
15 minutes later…
"Bro, that speed was insane," I said, panting after the wild ride.
Laz didn't say anything. He just walked into the new apartment.
It was beautiful — three rooms, a large sitting room — one room for me, one for Laz, and one for the woman we both cherished most: Mrs. Kyla.
She's not even his real aunt, but she raised him like her own.
"We're home, Mom!" Laz called out.
We entered the house… and then it happened.
Mrs. Kyla collapsed — coughing blood, falling to the floor.
My heart dropped.
"NO! God, please don't take her—!"
We rushed her to the hospital. She was taken to emergency immediately.
We waited.
All night. In silence.
Finally, the doctor came out.
"Doctor… is my mom okay?" Laz asked, trembling.
I stepped closer. "Please… tell us…"
The doctor hesitated.
Then he spoke, quietly.
"We lost her."
No.
NO.
She's gone…?
Mrs. Kyla is gone…
Tears poured from my eyes. My knees buckled. I collapsed.
Laz screamed in pain.
"MOM! I didn't know your sickness was getting worse! I'm sorry! Please wake up! I have the money now!"
But it was too late.
Author's POV
Heartbroken, Jake fainted. Laz dropped beside him, screaming and weeping uncontrollably.
One of the doctors turned to ask, "Is there any family of the deceased?"
"I… I am," Laz whispered, barely able to speak.
Author's Note (Worldbuilding)
In this world, only three countries exist:
Erold — the poorest nation
Malona — the richest
Meloparty — the land of excellence, wealth, and dreams
Each country plays its role, but behind the scenes are forces that act like gods… the powerful elite shaping destinies.
And for people like Jake and Laz…
Survival is just the beginning.
💔 To be continued…